Charming Ports of the South Feat. Jekyll Island

Duration: 8 Days | Meals Included: 7 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Jekyll Island Tram Tour

Tram tours of the Jekyll Island Club Historic District begin at the Island History Center on Stable Road. From 1886 to 1942 this area served as the winter retreat for America's wealthiest families - Rockefeller, Crane, Goodyear and Morgan. Thirty-three of the original buildings still stand with many mansion-sized "cottages" on the tour. We will tour one of these historical buildings. After the tour, you will have an opportunity to visit the museum exhibits and view a video presentation that reveals the fascinating story of Jekyll Island-from its earliest inhabitants, across its fabled Club Era, to its wondrous restoration programs today. There will also be time to visit the gift shop.

 

 

Hofwyl-Broadfield Historic Site

This beautiful plantation represents the history and culture of Georgia's rice coast. In the early 1800s, William Brailsford of Charleston carved a rice plantation from marshes along the Altamaha River. The plantation and its inhabitants were part of the genteel low country society that developed during the antebellum period. The museum features silver from the family collection and a model of Hofwyl-Broadfield during its heyday. A brief film on the plantation's history is shown before visitors walk a short trail to the antebellum home. A guided tour allows visitors to see the home as Ophelia kept it with family heirlooms, 18th and 19th century furniture, and Cantonese China.

 

St. Augustine Sightseeing Tour

Explore St. Augustine, the Nation's Oldest City, with a narrated tour aboard Starr's comfortable motorcoach. Over 430 years of history are highlighted as you travel through ancient streets to view buildings dating to the 1700s. Discover the roots of the Timucuan Indians that were native to the North Florida coast and their contributions to the Spanish settlers. Learn of several failed attempts to take over the colony and how the colonists struggled against fire, disease, and threats from neighboring colonies. See the lasting British influence on the architecture, with alterations that remain visible today. During our tour, experience the grandeur of the Flagler Era. Henry Flagler, the Father of Florida Tourism, made St. Augustine a winter destination for wealthy Northerners in the late 1800s.

 

Mission of Nombre de Dios Walking Tour

Step back in time on a guided walking tour of the historic Mission of Nombre de Dios, the site where Pedro Menéndez de Avilés first landed and established St. Augustine, the nation's oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city. Discover the rich history of this sacred landmark, where the first Catholic Mass in the New World was celebrated. Designated by President John F. Kennedy as “America’s Most Sacred Acre,” this inspiring site offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of faith, exploration, and settlement in America.

 

Fountain of Youth Archeological Park

A visit to St. Augustine isn’t complete without experiencing the world-famous Fountain of Youth. Explore the newly renovated Planetarium, which offers a glimpse of the night sky as seen by Ponce de Leon when he first arrived in the harbor, and discover how early explorers used the stars for navigation. Sip from the legendary fountain that Ponce de Leon sought and stroll through the gardens abundant with local flora and fauna, where elegant peacocks roam among the visitors.

 

 

Lightner Museum

Explore the remarkable Lightner Museum, housed within the former Alcazar Hotel, once celebrated as one of the grandest resorts of the Gilded Age. Originally built by Henry Flagler as part of his vision for luxury travel in Florida, the hotel now serves as a museum showcasing an extraordinary collection of fine and decorative arts. Founded by Otto C. Lightner, publisher of Hobbies Magazine, the museum features an eclectic assortment of antiques, Victorian-era treasures, stained glass, mechanical musical instruments, and unique collectibles gathered from around the world. As you wander through its three floors of exhibits, you'll discover fascinating artifacts and elegant architecture that bring the spirit of the late 19th and early 20th centuries to life.

 

Savannah, GA Trolley Tour

Explore Savannah in style with Old Town Trolley Tours, the ultimate way to discover the charm and history of this coastal gem. Marvel at the extraordinary architecture, lush botanicals, and captivating stories that define Savannah's rich heritage. Your knowledgeable conductor will entertain you with a blend of fascinating trivia and delightful anecdotes throughout the tour. Enjoy the convenience of On & Off Boarding Privileges at all designated stops, ensuring you can explore Savannah at your own pace.

 

 

Davenport House Museum

Step inside the beautifully preserved Isaiah Davenport House Museum, an outstanding example of Federal-style architecture dating back to 1820. Explore three floors of meticulously restored rooms while learning about the lives of Isaiah Davenport, his family, and the thirteen enslaved individuals who lived and worked on the property. Through engaging stories and carefully interpreted exhibits, this tour provides a meaningful and thought-provoking look at the social, cultural, and economic realities of early 19th-century Savannah, offering a deeper understanding of the city's rich and complex history.

 

Dinner with Ida Alice Shourd Flagler, Living-History Reenactment

While enjoying dinner, guests will experience a living-history performance featuring a professional reenactor portraying Ida Alice Shourd Flagler, the second wife of Henry Flagler. Believing our group to be newly hired staff at the Ponce de Leon Hotel, she bursts into the room assigning duties, introducing herself with flair, and proudly boasting of her husband’s wealth and influence. Through lively, first-person storytelling, her dramatic personality unfolds, offering an entertaining and revealing glimpse into her complex life and emotional struggles. This engaging portrayal brings history vividly to life through the eyes of one of St. Augustine’s most colorful and controversial figures.

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on day two is included at the Holiday Inn Jekyll Island

Dinner will be served buffet-style and features a house salad, garlic chicken in a lemon beurre blanc, grilled Atlantic salmon sauteed with spinach and blistered tomatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables. Dinner includes chocolate torte for dessert, along with water, sweet tea, and lemonade.

 

Dinner on day three is included at Jekyll Island Club

Menu TBA

 

Dinner on day four is included at The Raintree. Choices are:

• Chicken Breast - topped with pesto, merlot brown sauce, & melted fontina

• Baked Salmon - served in a lobster champagne cream sauce

• Vegetarian

Dinner is served with a mixed green salad, starch, vegetable, and creme brulee for dessert. Hot tea and coffee are included.

 

Dinner on day five is included at Aunt Kate's

Dinner will be served buffet-style and features a house salad with ranch dressing, pumpkin bread, corn bread, grilled tilapia, north beach chicken (grilled chicken breasts basted with homemade southern comfort barbeque sauce topped with bacon, provolone, shredded cheddar and tomatoes), veggie baked ziti, mixed veggies in garlic butter, red bliss potatoes, and banana pudding for dessert. Sweet tea, unsweetened iced tea, water, and canned sodas are also included

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• There is a considerable amount of walking on this tour.

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

• Baggage handling at hotels is included.

 

Accessibility:

• This trip is not a good fit for those with mobility challenges because a lot of walking is required.

• The Jekyll Island Tram Tour is not wheelchair accessible.

• Mission of Nombre de Dios: expect uneven terrain as you explore the sacred grounds.

• Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Day 1 & 7: Country Inn Fayetteville I-95 NC (Fayetteville, NC)

The hotel features a seasonal outdoor pool and fitness room. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, hair dryer, and iron/board.

 

Days 2 & 3: Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island (Jekyll Island, GA)

Located on the beach, the resort offers an idyllic setting for relaxation. The hotel features a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, and outdoor firepits. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, hair dryer, and iron only.

 

Days 4 and 5: Fairfield Inn St. Augustine (St. Augustine, FL)

The hotel features an outdoor heated pool and fitness room. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, hair dryer, and iron/board.

 

Day 6: Holiday Inn Express Savannah Historic District (Savannah, GA)

Located in the heart of the Savannah Historic District. The hotel features a lounge and fitness room. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, microwave, hair dryer, and iron/board.

See highlights from Starr's Tour Tuesday!